NASA to delay launch because of damaged antenna

In a July 13 photo provided by NASA, inspectors check out the payload fairing for NASA's TDRS-M prior to encapsulating the spacecraft, inside the Astrotech facility in Titusville. NASA said Monday, July 17, 2017, that one of the antennae was damaged (Glenn Benson / AP)

An upcoming satellite launch for NASA will be pushed back to an undetermined date, officials with the space agency have confirmed.

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, known as TDRS-M, had been scheduled for an August launch. But one of the antennae on the 7,615-pound satellite was damaged at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville during encapsulation.

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An additional issue with ground support is being assessed, as well.

TDRS-M will eventually launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

A 40-minute window for the launch of TDRS-M had been set to open at 9:02 a.m. Aug. 3. The indefinite delay was announced Friday by NASA officials.